About this Event
Welcome to the Thomas Muir Symposium 2026!
Join us for a fascinating afternoon of talks and music, exploring of the life and legacy of Thomas Muir in the modern era.
Thomas Muir was an eighteenth-century Scottish champion of political democracy who took a worldwide view of the idea, believing it would eventually prevail in all corners of the globe.
The Friends of Thomas Muir is a twenty-first century organisation that promotes the life and works of Muir in a variety of different ways.
In particular, it organises annual symposia to examine different aspects of Muir's ideas and how people have been inspired by them since his death in 1799.
This years speakers include:
Kenny MacAskill
‘A Forgotten Political Martyr from Dundee’
Kenny MacAskill, a former Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the Scottish Government, will describe the radical activities and ideas of George Mealmaker of Dundee who set an example for others, including the Reverend Thomas Fysshe Palmer, a Unitarian clergyman, to follow. Palmer was transported to Australia for his radicalism. During the later 1790s Mealmaker became the leader of the United Scotsmen, a militant organisation that drew some of its inspiration from the United Irishmen.
David Kenvyn
‘The Worldwide Odyssey of Thomas Muir’
David Kenvyn, a former Librarian with East Dunbartonshire Council, will describe the travels of Thomas Muir to Australia, the Americas and Europe during 1794-99. As one of his sources he will draw on a Muir article by Marjory Masson and J.F. Jameson in the American Historical Review of 1923, but will identify some information that Masson and Jameson overlooked.
Professor Gerard Carruthers
Chair of meeting
With contributions from Bishopbriggs Academy pupils.
Venue:
Bishopbriggs Academy
Wester Cleddens Road,
Bishopbriggs
G64 1HZ
Wednesday 4th November 2026
Time: 12.45pm - 4.15pm
Travel Details
Car - Spaces available for the event (Please let Don know if you plan to use car park).
Train - Bishopbriggs Station: Bishopbriggs Academy is a 1.2 mile (approx. 30 minute walk).
Bus - Regular service from Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station) to Bishopbriggs Academy (approx. 30 to 40 min journey time).
Friends and guests are very welcome to attend.
Event venue & nearby stays
Bishopbriggs Academy, Wester Cleddens Road, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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